Chest Pain

Angina is a pain or discomfort in the chest. It often has a squeezing or pressure-like feel. This discomfort can also be felt in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaws or back. Anginal pain usually lasts no more than 2-10 minutes. It is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. Chest pain is usually a sign of coronary artery disease (CAD). It occurs when the blood vessels leading to the heart are blocked. The blockage decreases the blood and oxygen flow to the heart muscle. When the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen you will feel chest pain and other symptoms.

When it comes to chest pain, time is muscle. Every hour you ignore chest pain and discomfort (even minor pain) the risk of damage to heart muscle increases. Patients who ignore symptoms for more than six hours are significantly more likely to suffer heart damage beyond repair.

Our team approach to care delivery focuses on the patient for a rapid diagnosis and intervention. You are in capable hands when arriving at Research Medical Center’s Emergency Department, where our trained staff are prepared to quickly determine how best to treat your symptoms, whether experiencing a hear attack or other cardiovascular-related conditions. As part of Midwest Heart Care’s comprehensive services, the area’s first Chest Pain Network has been servicing Kansas City since 2004. Our five chest pain centers are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the Emergency Departments of each Midwest Heart Care location: